Taurus 38 Special, Model 85 question

This is a discussion on Taurus 38 Special, Model 85 question within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; I picked up a used Taurus 85 in 38 Spcl. I'm trying to determine if it's rated for +P ammo. I checked the SN against ...

Taurus 38 Special, Model 85 question

I picked up a used Taurus 85 in 38 Spcl. I'm trying to determine if it's rated for +P ammo. I checked the SN against Taurus' website, but it didn't return any reulsts. There's four numbers above the 85- 7443. The barrel is stamped ".38SPECIAL".

How does Taurus distinguish between regular and +P ratings? Should the barrel be marked ".38SPECIAL+P"?

ETA: I don't think mine is the ultralight version.

Last edited by takurpic; December 7th, 2008 at 12:00 PM.
Reason: Clarification

Well I dont have an "85" but I do have a .38 special "ultra light". The manual said +p NOT recommended. Having said that I've shot 30 rounds of +p through it and never a problem. +p were the first rounds I shot in the pistol, many rounds later and it's fine......
Now, don't come after me if you have problems though.

I re-read my manual tonight and will check the website when I get a chance, but per the manual the only revolvers rated for +p are the titanium models...Note 3 page 11. One step further it's +p jacketed ammo, not +p lead bullets. I know the company is prob just covering butt, and there's a "safety factor" in there but still.

The manual for my ultralight with alloy frame & SS cylinder says it's +P rated, but those rounds will accelerate wear. The gun was purchased in early 2007. My 12 year old steel 85 states not to use +P.

The manual for my ultralight with alloy frame & SS cylinder says it's +P rated, but those rounds will accelerate wear. The gun was purchased in early 2007. My 12 year old steel 85 states not to use +P.

all said make sense, but I wonder if the new steel revolvers will handle +P loads ? Guess I'll contact Taurus to ask that one. Still a good lil' snubby.